On August 6, 2023, the worship service at LivingStone Church is sure to be inspiring and thought-provoking. The video made by the church highlights Dan, the executive pastor, who has a wealth of experience working with Dave Ramsey and Crown Financial. Dan’s involvement in the church’s building program and financial education makes him a valuable asset. The sermon for the day will focus on Luke chapter 19, verses 45-48, where Jesus cleanses the temple and condemns the commercial activity happening there. This powerful message about the true purpose of the temple and believers being temples of God is sure to captivate the congregation. Additionally, the video includes teachings and challenges faced by Jesus in the temple, as well as the importance of believers recognizing and enduring opposition. Throughout the video, LivingStone Church offers various opportunities for members to connect, participate in ministry, attend small groups and youth group, and give offerings. Join us for a worship service that will leave you inspired and ready to live a life according to God’s purposes.
The worship service at LivingStone Church on August 6, 2023, promises to be an eye-opening experience. The video produced by the church introduces Dan, the executive pastor, who has an impressive background working with financial experts like Dave Ramsey and Crown Financial. Dan’s involvement in the church’s building program and financial education makes him an invaluable asset to the congregation. During the sermon, the focus will be on Luke chapter 19, verses 45-48, where Jesus cleanses the temple and highlights the true purpose of the temple. In addition to this, the video explores the teachings of Jesus in the temple, the opposition he faced, and the celebration of his sacrifice through the Lord’s table. LivingStone Church also offers numerous opportunities for members to connect, participate in different ministry areas, attend small groups and youth group, and give offerings. Don’t miss out on this worship service filled with powerful teachings and opportunities to grow in your faith.
August 6, 2023 worship at LivingStone Church
Introduction to Dan, the executive pastor with experience working with Dave Ramsey and Crown Financial
Welcome to the worship service at LivingStone Church on August 6, 2023! We are excited to have you here with us today. One of the highlights of today’s service is the introduction of our executive pastor, Dan. With his extensive experience working with Dave Ramsey and Crown Financial, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge about financial stewardship and biblical principles for managing our resources. We are privileged to have him serve alongside us in the church.
Dan’s involvement in the church’s building program and financial education
Dan has been instrumental in our church’s building program, overseeing the financial aspects of the project. His expertise in managing resources and his commitment to stewardship have ensured that we are able to effectively utilize our financial resources to expand the kingdom of God through this new facility. Additionally, Dan has been instrumental in providing financial education to our congregation, helping us navigate the complexities of personal finance and align our financial decisions with biblical principles.
Sermon from Luke chapter 19, verses 45-48
Today’s sermon is based on Luke chapter 19, verses 45-48. In this passage, Jesus enters the temple and witnesses the commercial activity taking place within its premises. He is deeply grieved by this exploitation and proceeds to cleanse the temple, driving out those engaged in buying and selling.
Jesus cleansing the temple and condemning commercial activity
Jesus’ actions in cleansing the temple highlight his deep concern for the purity and sanctity of his Father’s house. The temple was intended as a place of worship, prayer, and communion with God, but it had been turned into a marketplace where people profited from religious activities. Jesus rebuked this commercialization and condemned those who exploited the temple for personal gain.
Reaction of the chief priests and scribes
Naturally, the chief priests and scribes were taken aback by Jesus’ actions. They were the religious leaders of the time and were complicit in the commercial activities that Jesus condemned. Their authority and control over the temple were threatened, and they began to conspire against Jesus, seeking ways to discredit him and eventually have him killed.
The people’s captivation with Jesus’ teaching
Despite the opposition from the religious leaders, the people were captivated by Jesus’ teachings. They recognized the authority and wisdom with which he spoke, and they flocked to hear his words in the temple. He exposed the hypocrisy of the religious elite and presented a different vision for worship, one that prioritized genuine connection with God over ritualistic practices driven by profit.
Jesus’ quotes from Isaiah and Jeremiah condemning Israel’s leaders
During his teachings, Jesus quoted from Isaiah and Jeremiah, condemning the leaders of Israel for their greed, corruption, and exploitation of the people. He likened their actions to those of the previous generations who had rejected the prophets and brought judgment upon themselves. Jesus’ words were a powerful indictment of the religious leaders’ failure to shepherd the people and their misuse of the temple for personal gain.
Exploitation in the temple by renting out space for selling sacrifices and animals
One of the forms of exploitation that Jesus addressed was the renting out of temple space for the sale of sacrifices and animals. This practice allowed the chief priests and religious authorities to profit from the religious rituals and sacrifices required by Jewish law. They prioritized profit over the sacredness of worship and distorted the purpose of the temple.
The high priest’s profit from this endeavor
Interestingly, the high priest himself benefitted greatly from the commercial activities in the temple. By allowing the sale of sacrifices, he ensured a steady flow of income and maintained his position of power and influence. Jesus’ cleansing of the temple disrupted this profitable system and exposed the high priest’s vested interests.
Exorbitant exchange rates charged by currency exchangers
Another form of exploitation that Jesus confronted was the exorbitant exchange rates charged by currency exchangers. Jewish law required the use of a specific coin for temple taxes, and these money changers took advantage of the people by charging unfair rates for currency conversion. Once again, Jesus’ actions demonstrated his commitment to justice and fairness in the house of God.
Jesus clearing out the temple and proclaiming it as a house of prayer
In a dramatic display of righteous anger, Jesus cleared out the temple, driving out the merchants, money changers, and all those engaged in exploitative practices. He declared that the temple was meant to be a house of prayer for all nations, a place where people could come and commune with God. By cleansing the temple, Jesus restored its true purpose and removed the elements that hindered genuine worship.
Jesus’ work of removing what doesn’t belong in today’s temple
While the physical temple Jesus cleansed no longer stands today, his actions carry deep spiritual significance for us as believers. Just as Jesus removed what didn’t belong in the temple, he continues to work in our lives, removing anything that hinders our relationship with God. He confronts the sinful practices, attitudes, and relationships that prevent us from fully experiencing the presence and power of God in our lives.
Teachings in First Corinthians 3 and the purpose of believers being temples
The apostle Paul further expands on the concept of believers being temples in First Corinthians 3. He explains that as believers, we are now the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Our bodies are temples that house the presence of God. Just as the physical temple in Jerusalem was set apart for worship, so too must we dedicate ourselves to holiness and honor God in all areas of our lives.
The Holy Spirit’s ministry in believers’ lives and overturning sinful practices
Through the Holy Spirit’s ministry in our lives, we are continually transformed and sanctified. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, bringing awareness to areas of our lives that need cleansing and repentance. Like Jesus overturned tables in the temple, the Holy Spirit overturns sinful practices, language, attitudes, and relationships within us. This work of purification allows us to be vessels that are useful for God’s purposes.
Conviction as the initial work of the Holy Spirit
Conviction, though uncomfortable at times, is an essential part of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. It awakens us to our need for repentance and draws us closer to God. While the process can be painful, it ultimately leads to the cleansing and renewal of our hearts, minds, and actions.
Turning over tables of sinful language, actions, attitudes, and relationships
As followers of Christ, we are called to turn over the tables of sinful language, actions, attitudes, and relationships in our lives. We must confront the areas where we have compromised our values and allowed worldly influences to take hold. Just as Jesus cleared the temple of its corrupt practices, we too should diligently remove anything that distracts us from wholehearted devotion to God.
Cleansing and removing sinful things to be useful for God’s purposes
The purpose of this cleansing is to make us vessels that are useful for God’s purposes. When we allow the Holy Spirit to remove sin from our lives, we become instruments through which God can work. Our actions, words, and relationships can then reflect the love and truth of Christ, drawing others closer to him.
Opposition and challenges faced when following God’s purposes
Following God’s purposes often comes with opposition and challenges. Just as Jesus faced increased opposition from the religious leaders after cleansing the temple, we too may encounter resistance when we stand up against worldly practices and pursue godliness. However, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to holiness and trust in God’s faithfulness to see us through.
Teachings of Jesus in the Temple
Despite the opposition he faced, Jesus continued to teach in the temple. He proclaimed the truth, offered hope, and modeled a life of selfless love. His teachings captivated the people who hungered for spiritual truth. In his words, they found healing, deliverance, and a greater understanding of God’s kingdom.
Attempts of the chief priests and scribes to kill Jesus
The teachings of Jesus, particularly in the temple, posed a significant threat to the religious leaders. They felt their authority challenged, and their control over the people slipping away. Consequently, they conspired to have Jesus killed, viewing him as a threat to their power and influence.
Jesus’ remaining days spent feeding and preaching to the people in the Temple
Despite the growing opposition, Jesus remained committed to his mission. In the remaining days leading up to his crucifixion, he continued to feed and preach to the people in the temple. He offered spiritual nourishment to those who sought it, and his words resonated deeply with the hearts of those who longed for truth and redemption.
Captivation of the people by Jesus’ teachings
The people were captivated by Jesus’ teachings, recognizing the authority and truth in his words. They marveled at his wisdom and experienced the transformative power of his message. In Jesus, they found a shepherd who genuinely cared for their well-being and who offered a path to true fulfillment.
Conspiracy of religious leaders to kill Jesus
The religious leaders, however, saw Jesus’ influence as a threat to their own position and authority. They conspired to have him killed, seeking to silence his teachings and maintain their control over the people. In their misguided quest for power, they failed to recognize the true significance of Jesus’ message and the redemption he offered.
Increased opposition faced by Jesus when used by God
As Jesus embraced his role as the Messiah and fulfilled God’s purposes, he faced increased opposition. The religious leaders, blinded by their pride and desire for power, became more determined to eliminate him. Yet, in the face of such hostility, Jesus remained steadfast, offering forgiveness, love, and hope to all who would receive him.
Observance of the Lord’s table to remember the sacrifice and redemption through Jesus’ death
Today, we have the privilege of observing the Lord’s table, a powerful way to remember the sacrifice and redemption made possible through Jesus’ death on the cross. As we partake of the bread and the cup, we remember his body broken and his blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins. This sacred act serves as a reminder of the purpose of the temple, which Jesus fulfilled through his selfless sacrifice.
Fulfillment of the purpose of the temple through Jesus’ cleansing and preaching
By cleansing the temple and preaching within its walls, Jesus fulfilled the true purpose of the temple. He redirected the focus from corrupt practices to genuine worship. Through his selfless sacrifice, Jesus inaugurated a new way, where the temple became the hearts of believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit. His cleansing and preaching brought true transformation and reconciliation, paving the way for a restored relationship with God.
Recognizing and enduring opposition as believers called to be useful for God
Just as Jesus endured opposition in fulfilling his purpose, we too may face challenges and opposition as believers called to be useful for God’s kingdom. As we confront the sin in our lives and seek to honor God in all that we do, we may encounter opposition from the world or even from within the church. However, we must stand firm in our convictions, trusting in God’s strength and guidance to navigate through challenges and remain faithful to his calling.
Celebrating the sacrifice of Jesus through the Lord’s table
As we gather around the Lord’s table, let us celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus and the redemption we have through his death. Let us remember the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and commit ourselves to live as temples set apart for God’s purposes. May this sacred moment deepen our connection with Christ and empower us to be agents of his love, grace, and truth in the world.
Opportunities offered by LivingStone Church
Finally, LivingStone Church offers many opportunities for you to grow in your faith and participate in the work of God’s kingdom. Through our various ministries, small groups, and service opportunities, you can find a place to connect, learn, and serve alongside other believers. We encourage you to explore the possibilities and engage in the vibrant community that is LivingStone Church. Together, let us continue to pursue God’s purposes and offer ourselves as living stones in his ever-expanding kingdom.